12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Fort Wayne, Indiana

As the second largest city in Indiana, Fort Wayne casts a wide cultural net with many fun things to do. The real heartbeat of culture in the city can be attributed to Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne. Through community support and passionate interests, this organization helps oversee the Cultural District of Fort Wayne, including the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, the Arts United Center, and the History Center. Arts United also helps put on some of the many festivals that take place in Fort Wayne each year, such as the iconic Three Rivers Festival in July. With other important and attention-grabbing attractions dotting the city, including botanical gardens, baseball parks, and children's zoos, it's easy to see why Fort Wayne has a high rate of turning tourists into long-term residents. Plan your visit to the city with our list of the top-rated things to do in Fort Wayne.

1 Fort Wayne Museum of Art

A cornerstone of Fort Wayne's Cultural District, and one of many institutions operated by Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art (FWMoA) highlights a wide range of mediums in American art. Within its collection of more than 7,000 paintings, sculptures, and delicate glass, FWMoA highlights Indiana Impressionists, world-famous painters, and artisan glass cutters. FWMoA hosts a wide variety of programs, events, and classes throughout the year, including art classes, internships, and a family-friendly Día De Los Muertos celebration every October.

2 Parkview Field

Home to the Fort Wayne TinCaps Minor League Baseball team, Parkview Field was constructed just before the 2009 season and has been a vital component of downtown ever since. Noted as one of the best minor league baseball experiences in the country, Parkview Field also hosts concerts, fitness festivals, and more than 400 non-baseball events throughout the year. Weather permitting, the concourse of the baseball stadium is open daily to the public for anyone wanting to stretch their legs on the track. With all the extra amenities this ballpark provides, the number one attraction will always be catching a late evening game under the lights.

3 Headwaters Park

Headwaters Park

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At the confluence of three major rivers, a mile north of downtown, Headwaters Park is a popular natural space often filled with community activity. In addition to the year-round schedule of concerts and festivals, including the keystone Three Rivers Festival, the 30-acre park is also a popular place to simply enjoy the nice weather and river surroundings. On site, the Hamilton Sculpture Garden provides a landscaped space to appreciate, and the large open-air pavilion can be rented for private events. Throughout the colder months of the year, the popular Headwaters Ice Skating Rink is a fun place to enjoy the winter chill.

Address: 333 South Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana

4 Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

On the southside of downtown, near Parkview Field and the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is a year-round tropical attraction. A great place for kids, families, and anyone interested in botanical beauty, this conservatory delivers, with three distinct garden areas. Cacti sprout in the arid environment of the Desert Garden, and the foliage of the Tropical Garden nearly overflows on the walkway adjacent to the koi pond and waterfall. The seasonal Showcase Garden rotates exhibits throughout the year, including an immersive Butterfly Garden in the spring. Several classes and programs are offered at this botanical center, including plant swaps, artists' receptions, and grow-your-own activities.

5 Historic Old Fort

Historic Old Fort

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A reconstruction of the 1815 original Fort Wayne, this detailed "Old Fort" provides a fun place to experience and learn about the history of the area. Located across St. Marys River from Headwaters Park, this reconstructed historic fort is only a quarter mile from its original site. As a public space, anyone is encouraged to explore the grounds on their own. To see the interior of the fort, and to participate in some of the live-action history that it sponsors, the non-profit organization that operates the fort hosts numerous special events that include costumed characters and guided tours.

6Editor's Pick Arts United Center

A crown jewel of the downtown Cultural District, the Arts United Center was created by world-famous architect Louis Kahn in 1973. As his last completed theater before his death, Kahn's influential designs are apparent throughout every sunlit corner and brick arch of this performance art and civic theater. The brilliant auditorium and stage, surrounded by concrete to create a dramatic and isolating acoustic effect, is home to the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, the Fort Wayne Ballet, the Fort Wayne Dance Collective, and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Backstage tours are available upon request, sharing the interesting stories behind the art and design of the theater.

7 Science Central

Housed in a retired 1908 coal-burning power plant, Science Central is a hands-on science museum catering to kids and interested members of the community. Science Central from the outside still has the appearance of the power plant it was originally designed as, save for the colorful smokestacks and faux dinosaur skeleton near the front door. Inside the now historic City Light & Power building, more than 35,000 square feet of space helps introduce concepts of science to young children. One of the most exciting permanent exhibits at Science Central is the High Rail Bike, which safely teaches kids about gravity.

8 Three Rivers Festival

Fort Wayne is also referred to as the City of Festivals, much in thanks to its busy event calendar throughout the year. From food festivals like the St. Joe Pickle Festival to cultural celebrations like Taste of the Arts and Pride Fest, there's something to enjoy nearly every weekend of the year. Music plays a critical part of every Fort Wayne festival, and certain other celebrations like Buskerfest and Middle Waves Music Festival cater specifically to it. Perhaps the biggest of all festivals to hit Fort Wayne is the Three Rivers Festival in July. Taking place at Headwaters Park, this full-week festival features more than 80 events, including music concerts, massive parades, fireworks, and other fun things like pie-eating contests. As the annual summer celebration of Fort Wayne for nearly 50 years, Three Rivers Festival is a longstanding tradition for residents and tourists from across the country. See the official website for specific dates and a calendar of events.

9 History Center

As part of the Arts United cultural campus, the History Center provides a dense collection of regional artifacts and insights. Home of the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society, the museum features a collection containing more than 26,000 artifacts, including the 1893 City Hall building in which it resides. Detailed exhibits at the museum tell a regional story spanning from native cultures to 20th-century technological innovations. Five miles south of downtown, the History Center also oversees the tours and events that take place at the Chief Richardville House, a preserved 19th-century residence of one of Fort Wayne's most influential historical figures.

10 Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum

This fascinating museum can be found downtown near Parkview Field and the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, housed in historic Old Station #3. Immediately upon entering this two-story museum, visitors encounter firefighting relics from a different generation, including red fire wagons and retired operating systems. On the second story of the museum, more artifacts can be admired, and visitors can have a look into the lives and living quarters of modern firefighters. Every relic and artifact at the museum is accompanied by a wealth of information about that certain era of firefighting, providing great insight into one of the bravest professions on the street.

11 Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve

Located on the southwest edge of the city, Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve is a 756-acre restored mix-wetland environment. A great place to spot wildlife in a natural habitat, the nature preserve maintains more than 10 miles of hiking trails to explore the different wetlands, meadows, prairies, and forests that comprise the area. The preserve is owned and operated by the Little River Wetlands Project, which also oversees other similar preserves surrounding the city. The organization hosts several programs and ways to explore their properties, including organized runs, public hikes, and naturalist-led explorations.

12 Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

Located a few miles north of downtown, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is one of the area's most popular family-friendly activities. Serving the community for more than 50 years, the Children's Zoo has expanded to receive many accolades and more than a half million visitors each year. Specialty themed areas and attractions at the zoo include an African Journey Safari Trail, an Australian Adventure River Ride, and an immersive Indonesian Rainforest. Some of the resident animals include orangutans, lions, kangaroos, Komodo dragons, zebra sharks, and Tasmanian devils. Kids and adults can interact with animals through giraffe feedings and other scheduled "Wild Encounters."

Where to Stay in Fort Wayne, Indiana for Sightseeing

With plenty of reasons to spend the night, Fort Wayne offers many different hotels to choose from. Most of the quality and name-brand hotels of Fort Wayne can be found in clusters surrounding the city and conveniently located off Interstate 69. Downtown overnight options are also available and provide a great way to have instant access to the many surrounding attractions.

Mid-Range Hotels: One of the most upscale hotels in downtown Fort Wayne is the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Fort Wayne. Connected to the Grand Wayne Convention Center and kitty-corner to Parkview Field, this nationally recognized hotel brand also offers an indoor pool, restaurant, and fitness center, as well as instant access to downtown. Slightly south of downtown, Comfort Suites Fort Wayne offers another great stay, with spacious suites, free breakfast, and free airport transportation. Near the Comfort Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Wayne is another reputable option, with each suite offering kitchenettes, study tables, and plenty of room to spread out your things.

Budget Hotels: In all the hotel groupings of Fort Wayne, budget hotels can be found offering very affordable rates. With places like Extended Stay America - Fort Wayne - South, on the south side of the city, you not only receive a favorable rate, but the clean and spacious rooms will always encourage a second visit. Closer to downtown, Quality Inn also delivers with a great rate, and the front desk staff has a good reputation for making sure you stay is comfortable. On the far northwest side of the city, the WoodSpring Suites Fort Wayne offers the most space for the best value, with each modern suite equipped with kitchenettes and comfortable furniture. Special rates are available for extended stays at WoodSpring Suites.

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